Obama As Jesus Painting Criticized By Catholic League

The Obama as Jesus painting named “The Truth” is being criticized by the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights. As previously reported on The Inquisitr, the painting depicting President Obama as Jesus Christ with a crown of thorns on his head, crucified against the presidential seal, is currently on display at the Bunker Hill Community College art gallery in Boston. The artist Michael D’Antuono defends the Obama as Jesus painting, arguing that his “First Amendment rights should override someone’s hurt feelings.”

According to International Design Times, the reveal of the Obama as Jesus painting “The Truth” has triggered quite a backlash among Christians. Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, posted a statement on the Catholic League website on Tuesday, saying Michael D’Antuono is a “left-wing artist known for exploiting racial tensions” and claimed his Obama as Jesus painting was evidence the artist had “succumbed to a new low.”

“What makes this display so interesting is the flat denial of truth by so many artists and academicians, as well as their irrepressible hostility to Christianity,” the statement continues. “Yet when it comes to their savior, President Obama, they not only pivot, they proselytize.”

The artist claims his intent with the Obama as Jesus painting was to not compare Obama to Jesus, but instead that the painting should be viewed metaphorically. The Obama as Jesus painting is more about the viewers themselves and how they perceive the world.

“[I] was inspired by watching conflicting reports on the same issues on the different cable newscasts and the effect on their viewers.” D’Antuno said. “Peoples’ perceptions of the issues seem to get distorted though their political lenses. People have had drastically different interpretations from this painting. What you see in this painting will be a reflection of your own partisan view and that is precisely the point.”

Visitors to D’Antuono’s website don’t exactly see it that way. “HOW DARE YOU?” wrote Elaine from New Orleans. “I believe in freedom of speech and respect your view point and your right to paint such garbage, but at the same time it’s individuals of your ilk that don’t respect others freedom of religion — and nothing makes a clearer point than your mockery of the Christian religion. Just so you’ll know, I’m not a religious fanatic, just your typical American who is fed up with this type of CRAP!”

The Obama as Jesus painting is not the first time artists have portrayed political celebrities in such dramatic fashion. Who remembers the Hudson River miracle with Obama rescuing the plane on a white horse?